Paul Reubens, best known for his character Pee-wee Herman, dies at 70

Actor-comedian Paul Reubens, who is best known for his character Pee-wee Herman, died on July 30 after a 6-year struggle with cancer. He was 70.

Reubens in a statement posted to Instagram after his death wrote, ‘Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans, and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.’

‘Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,’ wrote Reubens’ estate in the caption.

He added, ‘Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.’

Herman created Pee-wee when he was part of the Los Angeles improv group The Groundlings in the late 1970s. The live Pee-wee Herman Show debuted at a Los Angeles theatre in 1981.
Paul took Pee-wee to the big screen in 1985's ‘Pee-wee's Big Adventure’. The film, directed by Tim Burton and co-written by Phil Hartman of ‘Saturday Night Live’, sent Pee-wee on a nationwide escapade.

His television series, ‘Pee-wee's Playhouse’, ran for five seasons, and earned 22 Emmys.
Paul's career took a back seat when he was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult movie theatre in Sarasota, Florida, where he grew up.

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